BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Featherstone Rovers have been hit with a fine over supporter misbehaviour in October during their semi-final clash against Halifax Panthers in October.
The RFL investigated after allegations were made that several female Halifax supporters were subjected to sexual-themed verbak abuse by some Featherstone fans at the match.
Fax fan Micahaela Simpson tweeted at the time: “@FevRoversRLFC disgraceful ‘fans’ in corner abusing women and young girls going to loo! There’s a difference between banter and abuse!
“Frightening kids. It’s a family sport, the stewards were a disgrace! Hope nothing serious ever kicks off!”.
The sanction comes after Rovers halfback Dane Chisholm was banned for eight games this week after being found guilty of “discriminatory language and conduct” aimed at an Oldham physio.
The Championship club have been involved with a number of unsavoury off-field incidents in 2021.
The RFL statement reads: “The RFL have reached an agreed decision with Featherstone Rovers following incidents of supporter misbehaviour which breached the RFL’s Operational Rules in their Betfred Championship Play-Off fixture against Halifax Panthers on October 2.
The club has been fined for failing to use Best Endeavours in terms of supporter behaviour, with the club to spend the sum of the fine on high-profile support of the RFL’s Tackle it and Enjoy the Game campaigns related to discrimination and supporter behaviour.
A suspended fine of £3,000 imposed following a previous case of supporter misconduct in the 2021 season has been activated, and the club have been fined an additional £5,000 with that punishment suspended until the end of the 2023 season.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
